Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcasts

Welcome to the new home of our historical Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcasts. Each broadcast can be purchased as a separate MP3 download. Once you complete your checkout, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download your new files. Please note: these are digital purchases and not CDs.

1955 Indianapolis 500

Among the IMS Radio Network's most dramatic moments ever take place following a huge accident which takes the life of the great defending two-time winner Bill Vukovich. Hear interviewer Charlie Brockman tactfully avoiding telling winner Bob Sweikert in Victory Lane that his friend succumbed in the accident. And hear chief announcer Sid Collins introduce a legendary phrase when he calls for each commercial break with the words, "Stay tuned for the greatest spectacle in racing."

Running Time: 04:04:24

$9.99

1960 Indianapolis 500

There are some truly classic radio "calls" as the greatest sustained two-man battle in the history of the "500" takes place. For the entire last 250 miles, Jim Rathmann and Rodger Ward are never any more than a few feet from each other, a worn tire finally forcing Ward to slow down and salvage second place behind Rathmann with three laps to go.

Running Time: 04:09:38

$9.99

1961 Indianapolis 500

In one of the most exciting finishes ever, leader Eddie Sachs pits to change a wheel with only three laps remaining, allowing young A. J. Foyt to take over and record his first of four victories. Just a few minutes earlier, on lap 184, Foyt had been forced to stop for an emergency splash of fuel while leading. Hear Foyt's crew actually yelling "Go, Go, GO" in the background during the description from the pits.

Running Time: 04:02:56

$9.99

1962 Indianapolis 500

Just days after having been the first ever to qualify in excess of 150 mph, the sensational Parnelli Jones appears to be well on his way to winning the "500" in only his second start. That is, until his brakes begin to fade. But even after they are completely gone, he still won't give up, slowing down and eventually salvaging seventh as 1959 winner Rodger Ward records his second win.

Running Time: 04:02:28

$9.99

1963 Indianapolis 500

Parnelli Jones wins from the pole but it is Scotland's Jim Clark who draws most of the attention. Driving a stock-block V8 Ford–powered rear-engine Grand Prix–based Lotus, outfitted with carburetors and running on gasoline, Clark is challenging late when, for a few laps, traces of oil begin to seep from a tiny crack in an externally mounted oil tank on Parnelli's car. There is much controversy! Hear the sound of the fabulous Novi while Jim Hurtubise is a contender during the early laps.

Running Time: 04:00:22

$9.99

1964 Indianapolis 500

The world is transfixed during a red-flag stoppage as Chief Announcer Sid Collins delivers a heartfelt eulogy for Eddie Sachs, who has perished in a terrible accident. After Jim Clark, Bobby Marshman and Parnelli Jones all lead, A.J. Foyt goes on to become the last driver to win in a front-engined car.

Running Time: 05:20:32

$9.99

1966 Indianapolis 500

It makes for a long day (and broadcast) when the race is stopped right at the start due to of a huge accident. There are no injuries other than A.J. Foyt cutting his thumb as he scales the outer fence. First Lloyd Ruby, and then Scottish rookie Jackie Stewart, appear to have the race in the bag only to be sidelined as England's Graham Hill goes on to win over Jim Clark.

Running Time: 05:00:00

$9.99

1967 Indianapolis 500

In a race that takes two days to run—rain halts the proceedings after 18 laps—the big story concerns Parnelli Jones dominating virtually the entire distance with Andy Granatelli's revolutionary turbine-powered car. Hear the dramatic closing minutes as first the turbine fails, and then, while heading for the checkered flag, new leader A.J. Foyt has to avoid a huge accident on the main straight.

Running Time: 04:35:00

$9.99

1968 Indianapolis 500

Although Joe Leonard and Graham Hill are strongly favored with a pair of controversial Andy Granatelli–entered wedge-shaped Lotus four-wheel-drive cars powered by gas turbines, both encounter problems. Bobby Unser leads much of the race, is slowed by gearbox difficulties, then wins anyway when Leonard's car fails only eight laps from the finish.

Running Time: 03:50:19

$9.99

1969 Indianapolis 500

Mario Andretti, A. J. Foyt, Wally Dallenbach and Lloyd Ruby each lead during the first half, with all but Andretti ultimately suffering either retirement or a setback. Hear the actual "calls" of the luckless Ruby's elimination as he inches away from his pit before the refueling mechanism is completely detached. Andretti goes on to win, much to the exuberant joy of car entrant Andy Granatelli.

Running Time: 03:27:11

$9.99

1970 Indianapolis 500

Johnny Rutherford gets the jump at the start and leads into turn one from the second starting position, but pole sitter Al Unser is in front by the end of the lap. Al proceeds to lead 190 of the 200 laps, but there is plenty going on around him, including a four-car accident with less than 100 miles remaining. The total purse tops $1 million for the first time, and Al is the last winner to be interviewed in the old Victory Lane at the south end of the pits.

Running Time: 04:39:07

$9.99

1971 Indianapolis 500

After early leader and strong pre-race favorite Mark Donohue drops out, there is a terrific back-and-forth battle at the midpoint between teammates Al Unser and Joe Leonard. There is also a really spectacular accident involving David Hobbs and Rick Muther, which takes place on the main straight right in front of the broadcast booth. Once strong challengers Leonard, Bobby Unser and Lloyd Ruby each have been eliminated, Al Unser holds off pole-sitter Peter Revson to secure back-to-back wins for only the fourth time in "500" history.

Running Time: 03:37:00

$9.99

1972 Indianapolis 500

Huge new rear wings create phenomenal downforce, causing qualifying speeds to skyrocket, Bobby Unser raising the single-lap record from 179 mph to 196! Team Penske driver Gary Bettenhausen apparently has the race won, but then has to slow down and drop out, leaving teammate Mark Donohue to score Roger Penske's first "500" win.

Running Time: 03:42:56

$9.99

1973 Indianapolis 500

Speeds are at an all-time high, as Johnny Rutherford just misses the Speedway's first "200" in qualifying with a single lap at 199.071 mph. But the race is a challenge for participants and fans alike as inclement weather forces the accident-marred event into a third day. Gordon Johncock, who leads more laps than anyone else, is out in front when rain halts the race for the final time at 133 laps.

Running Time: 08:12:42

$9.99

1974 Indianapolis 500

After a blistering pair of opening laps by Wally Dallenbach, the race becomes a two-man struggle between pole-sitter A.J. Foyt and second-fastest qualifier Johnny Rutherford, whose late qualification run requires that he start all the way back in 25th. It takes "JR" only 11 laps to carve through the field to third. Once oil-leak problems eliminate Foyt near the three-quarter distance, the popular Rutherford has it in hand.

Running Time: 03:29:31

$9.99

1975 Indianapolis 500

Wally Dallenbach leads for 96 of the first 161 laps until eliminated by piston failure. It comes down to Bobby Unser leading, with defending winner Johnny Rutherford eating away at his advantage and A.J. Foyt catching both of them. All of a sudden, a monsoon-like rainstorm sweeps across the track to halt the event permanently after 174 laps, with cars spinning in every direction and Unser sloshing his way to Victory Circle.

Running Time: 03:27:52

$9.99

1976 Indianapolis 500

Six former winners are running within the top ten when rain stops the race at the halfway point. There is opportunity for numerous interviews while the track is being dried. Then it rains again, and Johnny Rutherford becomes the first winner ever to walk to the victory enclosure. This is the final race broadcast to be anchored by Sid Collins.

Running Time: 04:49:20

$9.99

1977 Indianapolis 500

Some truly historic moments, including Tony Hulman amending his famous call of "Gentlemen, start your engines," to accommodate the inclusion in the field of Janet Guthrie as first female ever to qualify. Then, learn of Gordon Johncock's late-race mechanical failure, which leads to A. J. Foyt becoming the first driver ever to win the "500" for a fourth time.

Running Time: 03:49:06

$9.99

1978 Indianapolis 500

It’s an all-200 mph front row for the first time ever with Tom Sneva earning the pole at 202.156 mph, but with second-starting Danny Ongais serving as “the rabbit,” leading 71 of the first 110 laps before blowing an engine at lap 145. Al Unser pretty much has the race in control from that point on and holds off a fast-closing Sneva at the finish to become a three-time winner of the “500.”

Running Time: 03:35:02

$9.99

1979 Indianapolis 500

With Al Unser forced out after leading 85 of the first 94 laps, and brother Bobby slowed dramatically by loss of his top gears after leading a further 89 laps, Roger Penske’s relatively unknown sophomore driver, Rick Mears takes over for his first win. There is further drama in the final lap when second-place runner A. J. Foyt loses power, raising question as to whether or not his stricken car will even make it across the finish line.

Running Time: 03:39:13

$9.99

1980 Indianapolis 500

Johnny Rutherford becomes a three-time winner, driving the revolutionary Jim Hall–entered car nicknamed "The Yellow Submarine." After taking the checkered flag, Rutherford stops in turn four, where charismatic young Rookie of the Year Tim Richmond has run out of fuel. Richmond climbs onto the side pod and, much to the delight of the crowd, Rutherford gives him a lift to his pit.

Running Time: 03:50:32

$9.99

1981 Indianapolis 500

Despite inclement weather conditions threatening throughout the day, the race does run to completion, with Bobby Unser narrowly defeating Mario Andretti under controversial circumstances to win for his third time. There are 24 changes of lead among nine drivers. Gordon Johncock, who drops out of second place within sight of the finish, turns one lap at just under 197 mph.

Running Time: 03:54:58

$9.99

1982 Indianapolis 500

Some of the IMS Radio Network's most famous "calls" ever are heard during the final laps, when pole-sitter Rick Mears is frantically trying to catch Gordon Johncock, whose pit crew saved him several seconds by giving him only the amount of fuel they knew he would need to finish. It is "play-by-play" radio at its very finest as the announcers excitedly report the epic closing laps.

Running Time: 04:13:50

$9.99

1983 Indianapolis 500

A caution period ends at lap 175, with Al Unser running just ahead of Tom Sneva. While three-time runner-up Sneva is trying to win for the first time, Unser stands to join A.J. Foyt as a four-time winner. Suddenly, roaring past both of them is 21-year-old "rookie" Al Unser Jr., who is several laps down. He allows his father to pass, but makes it just a little tougher for Sneva, who finally gets by on lap 191 for a very popular win.

Running Time: 03:56:34

$9.99

1984 Indianapolis 500

The potential for a terrific two-man battle for the win is shaping up with just over 30 laps to go. A caution period is about to end and defending winner Tom Sneva is lined up directly behind Rick Mears. Then Sneva breaks a half-shaft just before the green is displayed and Mears goes on to become a two-time winner.

Running Time: 03:48:35

$9.99

1985 Indianapolis 500

Yet another classic moment as Danny Sullivan grabs the lead from Mario Andretti through turn one on the 120th lap and then proceeds to spin directly in front of him. Amazingly, no accident takes place, both drivers pit for tires, and 20 laps later, Sullivan tries exactly the same move in exactly the same place, this time with success. He holds on to win by 2½ seconds over Andretti.

Running Time: 03:06:24

$9.99

1986 Indianapolis 500

Kevin Cogan passes both Rick Mears and Bobby Rahal in the closing laps and is leading under a late-race caution, but Rahal gets a better restart and beats Cogan into Turn 1. Mears chases both of them to the checkered flag and they cross the line only 1.27 seconds apart for by far the closest 1-2-3 finish ever. There is plenty of emotion among the racing community due to Rahal’s very popular car owner, Jim Trueman, being extremely ill. He sits on the scoring stand for the entire race but will succumb only 11 days later.

Running Time: 04:12:19

$9.99

1987 Indianapolis 500

In a true storybook finish, Al Unser, who was not even on the original entry list, ends up winning with a year-old Penske team car which had to be retrieved from "show car" status in the lobby of a Pennsylvania hotel, and powered by a Cosworth engine the team had never intended to run. Pole-sitter Mario Andretti leads for 170 of the first 177 laps only to drop out, after which new leader Roberto Guerrero stalls twice on his final stop.

Running Time: 03:41:49

$9.99

1988 Indianapolis 500

Springing from an all-Penske front row, 1985 winner Danny Sullivan appears well on his way to a repeat. He leads virtually the entire first half until a handling problem causes him to hit the wall, after which teammate Rick Mears leads most of the rest of the remaining distance to become a three-time winner.

Running Time: 03:45:42

$9.99

1989 Indianapolis 500

Emerson Fittipaldi, who ducked in for a pit stop during a late-race caution, is directly behind Al Unser Jr., who did not stop. Flying down the backstretch with one and a half laps remaining, they come upon four slower cars. Unser moves to the inside to pass and Fittipaldi goes with him, drawing alongside Unser's left side at the apex of turn three. They touch, causing Unser to spin into the wall. A lap later, behind the pace car, Fittipaldi is happy to see Unser safe and giving him a double "thumbs-up."

Running Time: 03:31:09

$9.99

1991 Indianapolis 500

An outside pass in Turn 1 hasn’t been achieved in several years when Michael Andretti successfully out-drags race leader Rick Mears on a Lap-186 restart. The crowd has barely had time to recover from this incredible sight when on the very next lap, Rick pulls exactly the same maneuver on Michael! Rick holds on from there to make history in this 75th running of the “500” by joining A.J.Foyt and Al Unser as a four-time winner.

Running Time: 03:11:57

$9.99

1992 Indianapolis 500

It's the coldest race day ever, the tires having a hard time finding grip with the freezing track surface. Some of the greatest names in racing are eliminated by accidents, including Mears, Sneva, Fittipaldi, Johncock, Luyendyk, Guerrero, Bettenhausen and Mario Andretti. There is a legendary radio "call" at the end when Scott Goodyear tries to beat Al Unser Jr. to the checker.

Running Time: 04:15:22

$9.99

1993 Indianapolis 500

Much of the attention is focused on the unconventional "groove" used by British "rookie" Nigel Mansell, who just happens to be the defending Formula One World Champion. There are 23 changes of lead among 12 drivers, and there is a late-race sprint to the finish with Emerson Fittipaldi holding off Arie Luyendyk, Mansell, Raul Boesel and Mario Andretti.

Running Time: 03:13:08

$9.99

1994 Indianapolis 500

A pair of Mercedes–Benz-badged push-rod engines—built in complete secrecy by Ilmor Engineering—lead for all but seven laps in the hands of Emerson Fittipaldi and Al Unser Jr. On the verge of lapping Unser with only 16 laps to go, Fittipaldi momentarily loses control through turn four and drifts into the outer retaining wall. It is one of the rare instances in which a seemingly certain winner is eliminated by an accident.

Running Time: 03:29:03

$9.99

1995 Indianapolis 500

No fewer than 10 different drivers swap the lead 23 times between them, young Jacques Villeneuve finally grabbing the win after fellow Canadian Scott Goodyear's final five laps are disallowed following a rule infraction involving the pace car. Michael Andretti and Jimmy Vasser both are taken out by wall contacts while leading, as is Scott Pruett while running second.

Running Time: 03:31:24

$9.99

1996 Indianapolis 500

For the first time ever, the final 12 laps are traded by three different drivers. Davy Jones passes Alessandro Zampedri and then, in a couple of breathtaking moves, Buddy Lazier passes both of them. This is the last year for turbochargers and Eddie Cheever records a race lap at over over 236 mph! The early laps are led by "rookie" Tony Stewart.

Running Time: 03:59:39

$9.99

1997 Indianapolis 500

For the first time since 1962, teammates finish one-two as pole winner Arie Luyendyk holds off fellow Fred Treadway team driver Scott Goodyear by a narrow margin of just over half a second. Seven drivers lead at various stages, second-starting Tony Stewart out front for 64 laps. He ends up fifth. Motorcycle racing legend Jeff Ward makes an impressive “500” debut by leading for 49 laps and finishing third.

Running Time: 04:48:19

$9.99

1999 Indianapolis 500

After Arie Luyendyk and Greg Ray both have been taken out by accidents while leading, and defending winner Eddie Cheever has been swapping the lead with Kenny Brack and Jeff Ward, a gamble by Robby Gordon almost pays off. Gordon stays out while the others pit, and for the final 30 laps he prays for a yellow which never comes. He is forced to pit with only one lap to go, dropping him to fourth as Brack scores a popular win for A.J. Foyt.

Running Time: 03:31:58

$9.99

2000 Indianapolis 500

Juan Pablo Montoya makes about as impressive a "500" debut as any driver in history. Greg Ray leads the early laps from the pole and 1996 winner Buddy Lazier gives him a run for his money at the end, recording the fastest lap of the race at lap 198—but Montoya prevails.

Running Time: 04:00:01

$9.99

2001 Indianapolis 500

Yet another Speedway "first" takes place when, to the delight of the huge crowd, effervescent Brazilian rookie winner Helio Castroneves breaks with protocol by stopping at the start/finish line, leaping from his car and then climbing up the outer safety fence. It is win number 11 for car entrant Roger Penske on a day which sees other race leaders include Robby Gordon, Greg Ray, Tony Stewart, Michael Andretti, Arie Luyendyk, Gil De Ferran and Mark Dismore.

Running Time: 04:13:35

$9.99

2002 Indianapolis 500

First-time starters Tony Kanaan and Tomas Scheckter both are eliminated by accidents while leading, and there is plenty of controversy in the next-to-last lap when the yellow is flashed for an accident just as Paul Tracy is attempting to take the lead from Helio Castroneves. The exuberant Brazilian remains undefeated in his only two starts, and once again delights the crowd by leaping from his cockpit to scale the outer fence.

Running Time: 03:34:46

$9.99

2003 Indianapolis 500

The big question is whether or not Helio Castroneves can become the first driver ever to win the “500” in three consecutive years. It will be even more remarkable if he pulls it off because he will have done so in only three starts! He can’t quite manage it, in spite of winning the pole and leading for 58 laps, but he does take second behind Penske teammate Gil de Ferran. The race’s impressive group of “rookies” includes three future winners, Buddy Rice, Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon.

Running Time: 03:01:06

$9.99

2004 Indianapolis 500

Nine different drivers lead, but Buddy Rice, in only his third start, is out front for 91 of the 180 laps completed before rain prematurely ends the proceedings. He is the 17th driver to win from the pole. Locally raised David Letterman is the winning co-entrant along with 1986 race winner Bobby Rahal, and he is beside himself with joy.

Running Time: 05:50:38

$9.99

2005 Indianapolis 500

There is a huge, roaring ovation just minutes from the end when, on a restart at lap 190 (following a late-race caution), the sensational female rookie driver Danica Patrick, running second, manages to overtake race leader Dan Wheldon. She holds on for four laps before being forced to slow down in order to conserve fuel. By salvaging fourth, she registers the highest-ever finish by a female, plus she is the first ever to have led, racking up 19 laps during the day.

Running Time: 03:54:02

$9.99

2006 Indianapolis 500

It's the most amazing final 20 laps in history with no less than five different leaders. After leading for the majority of the first 182 laps, defending winner Dan Wheldon is passed by Tony Kanaan. Then it is Michael Andretti, out of retirement, taking over on lap 194. With less than three laps remaining, Michael is passed by a 19-year-old "rookie"—his own son, Marco—and just when it appears the "500" will have its youngest winner ever, Sam Hornish Jr. seemingly comes out of nowhere to snatch the win within the final 300 yards.

Running Time: 03:54:46

$9.99

2008 Indianapolis 500

There are some tense moments following a pit-lane accident involving Ryan Briscoe and Danica Patrick, but cool heads prevail. After 18 lead changes between nine drivers, Australian-born New Zealander Scott Dixon becomes the first-ever driver from Down Under to win.

Running Time: 04:06:49

$9.99

2009 Indianapolis 500

There is an all-time-record 19 cars still in the lead lap at the finish of an accident-filled event, which ends with Helio Castroneves holding off Dan Wheldon and Danica Patrick to become the ninth driver to win the "500" for a third time. Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Ryan Briscoe each enjoy laps in front in addition to Castroneves, and all four of them are in the lead lap at the finish.

Running Time: 03:58:05

$9.99

2010 Indianapolis 500

Although pole-sitter Helio Castroneves is strongly favored to join A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears as a four-time winner of the "500," it is Dario Franchitti who scores a most convincing win. He leads early, avoids numerous accidents and, while eight different drivers do exchange the lead 13 times between them, it is the 2007 winner who spends most of the time in front, leading for 155 of the 200 laps.

Running Time: 03:56:21

$9.99

2011 Indianapolis 500

It’s a topsy-turvy finish for the 100th anniversary “500” with drivers on several different fuel strategies, many hoping for a late-race yellow which never comes. Rookie J. R. Hildebrand inherits the lead with three laps to go and appears headed for victory over 2008 winner Scott Dixon when the unthinkable happens. He swerves around a slowing car on the very last turn and hits the outer wall within sight of the checker. He stays with it and drives the wrecked car across the line only to be narrowly beaten by 2005 winner Dan Wheldon, who also passes a fuel-starved Dixon to vault from third to first in the final lap.